Lipid rafts at postsynaptic sites: distribution, function and linkage to postsynaptic density

Neurosci Res. 2002 Sep;44(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/s0168-0102(02)00080-9.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests that special lipid microdomains in the lipid membrane play various roles in cellular functions. Neurons also have such microdomains, non-caveolar lipid rafts. However, the rafts at the synaptic sites had not been reported until 2001, when a raft-like fraction was purified from synaptic plasma membrane of the rat forebrain (Mol. Brain Res. 89 (2001) 20). This article reviews recent findings on lipid rafts, especially those in the brain, and discusses the possible interaction between the postsynaptic raft and the postsynaptic density, both of which are essential for the structure and function of the postsynaptic side of the synapse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain / ultrastructure
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Lipids / physiology*
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Lipids